BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: I have found the time to read through the Memorandum addressed to all Honourable Members by the Chairman of the Singapore Trade Unions Working Committee (Committee of Liaison Officers of Trade Unions) and dated the 25th June, 1962.

Although I have as yet received no complaint by any Member of a breach of privilege, it is my duty as Speaker and guardian of the privileges of Honourable Members and of this House to sound a note of warning to all who wish to address Honourablc Members in any matter.

It is well established that it is a breach of privilege for any person to do anything which tends to impair, impede or fetter the free judgment or actions of any Member in the services he gives to this Assembly.

The Memorandum contains certain passages which may well be construed to be an attempt to influence by veiled threats Government Back Benchers in their free judgment and conduct in relation to the Referendum Bill and matters connected therewith. If that is so, then there has been a grave breach of privilege and the offenders, if found guilty, would be liable to heavy penalties laid down in the Legislative Assembly (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Ordinance, 1962.